Used Audi A4 Avant 2000 - 2005 reliability review

The Audi A4 Avant doesn't drive as sharply as the best rivals, but none are as classy as this .

What should I look for in a used Audi A4?

Faults with the cooling system and electrics top the list of troubles exposed by the What Car? Reliability Index. Despite its quality image, Audi sits towards the bottom of the index's make-by-make ranking. That said, the A4's above-average ranking in JD Power surveys shows that owners generally like them.

You should worry if gearchanges on the Multitronic automatic gearbox are bumpy, as this system can play up, while air-con systems are vulnerable. The 1.8 turbo petrol has had a history of ignition coil failure, leading to poor starting and misfires. However, by now, most will have had replacements that, touch wood, are pretty reliable.

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Audi A4 Avant 1.8T Sport 5dr

Audi A4 Avant

1.8T Sport 5dr

£1,990

Audi A4 Avant 1.9 TDI Sport quattro 5dr

Audi A4 Avant

1.9 TDI Sport quattro 5dr

£1,995

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Stuart Milne, digital editor

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

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